College dinner will bring communities together

Northampton College will host a multi-faith ‘Iftar’ dinner to mark Ramadan and bring together communities from across the county.

The dinner, which will be attended by Conservative MP for Northampton South Andrew Lewer, will see up 100 people gather for a special meal after sunset on Thursday, May 31. Nazmul Quanine, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, will be the guest of honour.

Northampton College principal Pat Brennan-Barrett said: “Northampton is a town with residents from all four corners of the globe, representing almost every country, every religion and every race. We are thrilled to be bringing the community together under one roof to celebrate Ramadan.”

The event is being staged by the East Midlands branch of the Bangladesh Caterers’ Association.

Guests will be served a traditional Iftar meal featuring fruits and a porridge-like dessert. Dates will be given to all those attending to emulate the Prophet Mohammad, who broke his fast this way.

BCA President Tipu Rahman said: “We are very grateful to Northampton College for hosting this event in their wonderful facilities at Booth Lane. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the region to Northampton and showcase our rich, vibrant, multi-ethnic culture. These traditions go back centuries and we are looking forward to sharing our customs with guests of every faith.”

Andrew Lewer, Conservative MP for Northampton South said: “Ramadan is clearly an important time in the Muslim calendar and this event is a wonderful way of bringing the community together to celebrate as a whole.“